Universal coupling



Nov. 17, 1953 H. H. TALBOT 2,659,217

UNIVERSAL COUPLING Filed Sept. :5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Section 1b Section [Db 1110 Fig. 4.

gwumvm' Howard HL'Tulboi Nov. 17, 1953 H. H. TALBOT 2,659,217

UNIVERSAL COUPLING Filed Sept. 5, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Hdwurd H. Talbot Gum/M Patented Nov. 17, 1953 UNIVERSAL COUPLING Howard H. Talbot,

Pittsburgh, Pa., a

Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to United Engineering & Foundry Company,

corporation of Pennsylvania Application September 3, 1947, Serial No. 771,983

Claims.

This invention relates to a coupling and in particular to a shaft coupling of the universal type capable of transmitting a great amount of power between two shafts which are subject to considerable mis-alignment during normal rotation thereof.

It has been found that in the use of the usual types of universal couplings, particularly for transmitting power to rolling mills and the like which employ slippers for effecting universal action, when mis-alignment between the driving and driven shafts is appreciable very rapid wear of relatively moving contacting parts results due to the small areas of contact of the slippers with the supporting members, thus causing undesirable conditions of operation. Due to the lack of effective lubricating means for such couplings, it becomes necessary frequently to replace many of the elements thereof.

It is one object of this invention to provide a universal coupling, the power transmitting ability and efliciency of which is not affected by appreciable mis-alignment of the driving and driven shafts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a universal coupling capable of transmitting a great amount of torque and in which friction, wear and breakage of relatively moving contacting elements is reduced to a minimum by reason of the large areas upon which forces are imposed.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a universal coupling in which is included a most efiective self-contained system of lubrication.

These, as well as the various other novel features and advantages of this invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a composite longitudinal sectional view of a universal coupling embodying the features of this invention taken at IaIa and IbIb of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken at IIII of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a composite sectional view of a modified universal coupling taken at IlIwIIIa and IIIb-IIIb of Figure 4;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken at IVIV of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an assembly view of the modified coupling, and

Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of the modified coupling.

With reference to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2, the preferred type of universal coupling embodying the features of my invention comprises a pair of symmetrical casings ll, joined together at their flanges I2 by means of bolts I3, a pair of inter-engaging sleeves l4 and 15, one of the sleeves l5 keyed to the end of driving shaft l6 and the other keyed to driven shaft l'l, annular cover plates I8 secured to the casings I l by studs I 9 at the outer periphery thereof, and annular seals 2i held in position by means of thin annular plates 22 secured to cover plates l 8 by studs 23.

On the inner surface of casings I l are formed a series of diametrically opposed parallel rectangular projections 24 having recesses 25 therebetween within which are received for sliding and rocking action a series of curved parallel projections 26, of a rectangular cross-section, formed on the outer surface of sleeves l4. On the inner surface of sleeves M in planes at right angles to the planes containing projections 26 are a series of diametrically opposed parallel rectangular projections 27, similar in shape to projections 24 and having recesses 28 therebetween within which are received for sliding and rocking action a series of curved parallel projections 29 formed at diametrically opposed points on the outer surface of sleeve 15. The curved projections 26 and 29 are portions of a sphere since they are generated from a point centrally located on the axes of rotation of sleeves I4 and I5. Retaining lugs 3| and 32 secured to the casings II and cover plates t8 respectively, are rounded at the surfaces wherein contact is had with outer sleeve l4 so as to permit limited movement of said sleeve to eifect universal action in a direction deter mined by the sliding motion between contacting surfaces.

To assemble the coupling, cover plates [8, with annular plate 22 and seals 2| attached thereto, are passed over the ends of the driving and driven shafts l6 and I! respectively, the two inner sleeves l5 keyed to the ends of the shafts, sleeves l4 positioned on sleeves 15 so that projections 26 thereof mesh with projections 29 of sleeves l5, the two casings I! placed over the thus assembled sleeves l4 and [5 so that parallel projections 24 mesh with curved projections 26, casings ll secured together at their flanges l2 by the bolts I3, and cover plates [8 attached to the casings l I by bolts 23 to complete the assembly. Before the casings H are secured together, the voids within the casings are filled with grease or an adequate Iubricatingmedium so that free movement of the relative moving contacting elements will be insured. i

The modified form of my invention, as disclosed in Figures 3 through 6, comprises a hollow spacing member 51, within the arms 52 of which is received for sliding movement rings 53, which rings are slidably engaged by the bifurcated elements 54 secured to driving and driven shafts 55 and 56 respectively. Each ring 53, which takes the place of a o'f inter-engaging sleeves shown in the preferred'embodiment of my invention, is provided with two groups of curved parallel projections 51 and 58 on the outer surface thereof, the projections being portions of asphere since they are generated from a point centrally located on the axis of the ring.

Extending outwardly from spacing member i5! are two pairs of arms 52 having ourved projections 59 on the inner surface thereof, the ,projections being generated as portions of a sphere on a radius slightly greater than that of the outside surface of the rings 53 from a point located on the axis of member 5:! midway between ithe outer end of tire arms :52 and the ring portion 60 of member 151.. One-of the iringsiid, "with zthe trans- .verse :axis thereof extending the direction 46f the axis of rotation of spacing member 5d, is 'placed'vJ-ithin the space between each of the pair f arms 5-2 and, with the projections :5 thereof in position to :be received by the recesses between "projections 159, ;rotated about a transverse :ax-is until the axes of rotation :of both the spacing member 5| and ring 53 coincide, thus confining rings 53 between the arms. Each :of the "bifurcated elements 55, "which elements [are secured to the :drixiing and driven shafts by -keys $1 received in keyways :62 and 53., is :provided with a pair :of arms 54 having a :plurality of dia metrically opposed zparafllel :proj ections 65 formed on the inner surfaces thereof adapted to mesh with pro'j ecti'on's E58 of rings 53.

To assemble the imoidified rcoupling, 'one of the bifurcated elements 54, with arms :64 thereof extending longitudinally outward :of the -sl'iafts, isplacedover the end of :each 'of the spaced apart shafts $5 and 56, rings 53 inserted :between the arms' 52 with projections thereof in meshing rela- 'tionship with projections :59, the two elements 174 moved toward each other until the :arms 54 thereof encompass the exposed portion :of rings 5-3 andproiection's 55zenga'gewith projections :58,

"and the bifurcated elements is keyed to the shafts.

"By virtue of the target-number of hear ng area-s formed by the inter-engaging projections and 'by which the "forces are absorbed, considerably aylbeitransmittted'by the couplings L i embodying the features of :mytinvention disclosed herein, as compared with couplings of the :same overall size in use lhere'tofore, without affecting the ability tofunctionproperly even though [misalignment of the shafts be iquitergreat.

According to the provisions of the .zp'ate statutes, 1 have explained dihe'principle'andic strudtion or my invention and have illustrated "and described 'whatizl consider to represent the best embodiment thereof. However, :I .desire to have *it understood that within the i'SGOpe 0f th appended'claims the invention may :be practiced otherwise "than as specifically illustrated :andidescribed.

it h universal coupling for joining together twoshafts comprising a-fcasing, a plurality of diametrically opposed axially extending parallel projections, with recesses therebetween, ,formed within said casing and at either end thereof, :a

pair of sleeves having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said aforementioned recesses, oppositely disposed lugs within said casing for pivotally supporting each of said sleeves and preventing substantial axial movement thereof, a plurality of diametrically opposed axially extending projections, f ormed 'on the inner -surface of said sleeves and disposed at right angles to said projections on the outer surface thereof, a second pair of sleeves positioned within said first-mentioned sleeves and having a plurality of axially extend- "ing projections 'on the outer surface thereof :adaptcd to be received for slidable movement within said recesses on the inner surface of said first pair of sleeves and means for securing said second pair of sleeves to the opposed ends of said shafts being coupled together.

2. A universal coupling for joining together two shafts comprising a-icasing, a plurality .of diametrically opposed axially extending parallel projections, with recesses therebetween, formed within said casing and at either end thereof, .a pair of sleeves :having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said aforementioned recesses, means engaging oppositely disposedportions of the ends-of and for retaining each of said sleeves within said casing and permitting movement about an axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis thereof, a ;.plurality of diametrically :opposed axially extending projections, with recesses rtherebetween, formed on the inner surface of said sleeves and disposed at right angles to said projections'onthe outer surface thereof, a second pair of sleeves positioned. within said first-mentioned sleeves and having a plurality of axially extending ,projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to vb'erreceived for t-slidable movement within said z-reicesses on the inner surface of said first pair-of sleeves, and means for securing said second pair of sleeves to the opposed ends of said shafts beling coupled together.

3. A universal coupling .for joining together two shafts comprising a casing, a plurality [of diametrically opposed axially extending parallel ,projections, with recesses therebetween, formed withinsaid casing and .at either end thereof, .a pair of sleeves having :a plurality of axially :extending projections on theouter surface thereof adapted to be received "for .slidable movement within said aforementioned recesses, meansen- ,gaging-oppositelyidisposedportions of the ends of .and for retaining:eachofsaidsleeves within said casing :and permitting movement about an axis -at.right angles .to the longitudinal axis thereof,\-a :plurality of diametrically-opposed axially-extending projections, with recesses therebetween,

.formed on the inner surface 0f said sleeves extending in the same direction of and in planes disposed at right angles to said projections on the outer surface thereof, a second pair of sleeves positioned .Within :said first-mentioned sleeves and -having:a plurality -1of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to :be received :forislidablermovement within said frecesses on the inner surface of said first ,pair of :sleeves, and means for securing said second pair of sleeves to the opposed ends of saidshafts being :coupled together.

4. In a universal coupling, a-casing agplurality of diametrically opposed axially extending parallel projections, with recesses therebetween,

formed Within said casing, a sleeve having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said aforementicncii recesses, means engaging oppositely disposed portions of the ends of and for retaining said sleeve within said casing and permitting limited movement about a transverse axis thereof, a plurality of diametrically opposed axially extending projections, with recesses therebetween, formed on the inner surface of said sleeve, extending in the same direction of and in planes disposed at right angles to said projections on the outer surface thereof, and a sleeve positioned within said firstmentioned sleeve and having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said recesses on the inner surface of said first-mentioned sleeve.

5. A universal coupling for joining together two shafts comprising a sealed casing within which a lubricant is confined, a plurality of diametrically opposed axially extending parallel projections, with recesses therebetween, formed within said casing at either end thereof, a pair of sleeves having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said aforementioned recesses, means engaging oppositely disposed portions of the ends of and for retaining each of said sleeves within said casing and permitting movement about a transverse axis thereof, a plurality of diametrically opposed axially extending projections, with recesses there-between, formed on the inner surface of said sleeves extending in the same direction of and in planes disposed at right angles to said projections on the outer surface thereof, a second pair of sleeves positioned within said first mentioned sleeves and having a plurality of axially extending projections on the outer surface thereof adapted to be received for slidable movement within said recesses on the inner surface of said first pair of sleeves, and means for securing said second pair of sleeves to the opposed ends of said shafts being coupled together.

HOWARD H. TALBOT.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,310,239 Johnson July 15, 1919 1,494,465 Dunn et al May 20, 1924 1,835,684 Williams Dec. 8, 1931 2,303,313 Barcus Dec. 1, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 811,979 France Apr. 27, 1937 

